Red Dragon

Thomas Harris’ 1981 novel of the same title first introduced the world to forensic psychiatrist-turned-serial-killer Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter. It is not quite as drop-dead shocking as Silence of the Lambs but avoids the caricature, compromise and thematic elephantiasis of Hannibal. The story begins as FBI agent Will Graham (Edward Norton) arrests Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) for his criminal appetite. Director Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) and Oscar-winning Lambs screenwriter Ted Tally give us plenty to fret and squirm about in a story about unholy pacts and one agent’s ability to feel rather than deduce his way into the heart of unspeakable crimes.